2005 Sea Ray SLX 280 for Sale – 8.7m Bowrider, Trailer Included, Miami Florida

This 2005 Sea Ray SLX 280 for sale in Miami, Florida is an appealing opportunity for buyers looking for a sporty, well-kept, and immediately usable premium bowrider from a respected American builder. Designed and built by Sea Ray, this model is known for delivering an excellent blend of power, luxury day-boat comfort, and social functionality. Whether the goal is day cruising, watersports, entertaining, or operating a stylish open boat in one of the world’s most active boating destinations, this SLX 280 offers the right mix of performance and practicality.

Sea Ray’s SLX line has long been associated with upscale day boating, strong construction standards, and layouts that make time on the water easy and enjoyable. This example benefits from an intelligently arranged open deck, capable machinery, and the inclusion of a triple-axle trailer, giving the buyer added flexibility for transport, storage, and convenience.

General Specifications
Built by Sea Ray in the United States, this bowrider measures approximately 8.7 meters in length, with a beam of 2.74 meters and a draft of 0.91 meters. Displacement is approximately 3,765 kg, giving the boat a substantial feel underway while maintaining the agility expected of a premium performance-oriented bowrider. Fiberglass construction ensures durability, ease of care, and strong long-term ownership practicality. The deep-V hull contributes significantly to ride quality, helping the vessel handle chop with confidence while maintaining stability and predictable handling characteristics.

The deck plan is designed to maximize movement, seating, and onboard interaction. This makes the boat especially well suited to social use, watersports preparation, and relaxed day cruising with friends and family.

Performance & Engineering
This SLX 280 is powered by a MerCruiser MCM 496 MAG inboard engine producing 496 horsepower. The power package delivers strong acceleration, sporty cruising capability, and the kind of lively response that many buyers seek in this class. With approximately 1,488 engine hours, the boat has seen regular use, but the listing indicates that the engine has been properly maintained and remains in sound working order. Fuel capacity of around 378 liters supports full-day outings with confidence, whether the plan is island-hopping, watersports, or entertaining around Miami’s boating hotspots.

The Bravo Three stern drive with dual propellers is a major advantage in this configuration, helping to improve acceleration, low-speed control, fuel efficiency, and overall responsiveness. It also supports better traction during watersports towing and contributes to a smoother, more controlled ride for a wide variety of operators.

Layout, Seating & Onboard Amenities
The Sea Ray SLX 280 is primarily a day boat, but it includes a small single cabin space suitable for limited short stays, changing, or practical storage needs. Passenger capacity is generous at around 10 to 12 people, making the boat highly suitable for social use and entertaining. The cockpit is configured with wraparound seating, a captain’s bolster seat, and an open bow seating area, creating multiple zones for conversation, relaxation, and guest enjoyment.

A wet bar adds practical convenience for hosting, while the stern sun pad provides an inviting space for sunbathing and lounging at anchor. The integrated swim platform with boarding ladder supports easy access in and out of the water, an essential feature for Miami boating. The Bimini top provides welcome shade when needed and further enhances the boat’s comfort during long days out.

Navigation & Helm Equipment
The boat is equipped with essential navigation features including a Garmin GPS system, depth sounder, navigation lights, compass, and analog helm gauges for clear operational awareness. These systems provide the captain with the core data needed for safe navigation, route planning, and general confidence underway. The helm is arranged to be intuitive and user-friendly, making the vessel suitable for both experienced owners and those moving up into a higher-powered bowrider.

Comfort, Entertainment & Day-Boating Appeal
Comfort onboard is supported by well-cushioned seating, ergonomic layout design, and an open arrangement that keeps passengers engaged with the water. The marine stereo system adds entertainment value, while the spacious deck avoids the cramped feel sometimes found in smaller bowriders. Durable yet attractive materials help the boat present well while also standing up to frequent use in sunny coastal conditions.

The overall experience aboard is geared toward premium day boating: strong power, generous seating, easy water access, entertaining convenience, and a stylish presentation that works particularly well in the South Florida market.

Usage Potential
This Sea Ray SLX 280 is very well suited for day cruising, watersports, sandbar outings, and hosting guests. Its power and hull design make it a strong candidate for towing inflatables, wakeboarding, and general active-use boating. With capacity for up to 12 people, it is also highly effective as a social platform. For buyers considering revenue-generating use, the boat may also have appeal as a day-rental or charter-style vessel where regulations permit, especially given its size, layout, and location in Miami.

Maintenance & Ownership Background
The boat is reported to be with its second owner and has benefited from consistent care and maintenance. Routine servicing, inspections, cleaning, and general mechanical upkeep have helped preserve its functionality and presentation. While it is not a low-hour boat, the emphasis here is on maintained usability, proper ownership, and a package that remains ready for immediate enjoyment.

Machinery, Drive & Systems
The MerCruiser 496 MAG installation is described as clean and accessible for inspection and servicing. Engine-hour meters confirm approximately 1,488 hours, and the cooling, fuel, and exhaust systems have been maintained on a regular basis. Mechanical systems are reported to be operating properly and delivering reliable performance.

The Bravo Three stern drive with dual stainless steel propellers provides excellent thrust and handling, particularly useful for watersports and low-speed maneuvering. The six-blade propeller effect of the counter-rotating setup improves grip, response, and stability under load. Electrical systems include battery banks for starting and house use, a clear control panel, and functional navigation lights, stereo components, and supporting electronics. Shore power capability adds dockside convenience.

The plumbing system includes approximately 76 liters of freshwater capacity, a reliable pump, bilge pump installation, and a holding tank arrangement for proper waste management. All systems are described as maintained and operational.

Safety, Hull Condition & Included Trailer
Safety equipment includes navigation lights, bilge pumping, and essential onboard safety gear suitable for recreational use. The fiberglass hull is reported to be in good condition, and the deep-V design continues to be one of the model’s main strengths for ride comfort and offshore capability in suitable weather. The underwater sections have been maintained and inspected, and no major structural concerns are reported.

One of the most valuable inclusions is the triple-axle trailer, which greatly increases storage, transport, service access, and overall ownership flexibility. For many buyers, this inclusion materially improves the value and practicality of the package.

A Strong-Performing Premium Bowrider in Miami
If you are searching for a well-equipped, high-powered Sea Ray bowrider with proven performance, social versatility, and real day-boating appeal, this 2005 Sea Ray SLX 280 is a compelling option. With its big-engine setup, entertaining-friendly layout, swim access, trailer inclusion, and immediate usability, it offers excellent value in the Miami market. Enquire today to arrange a viewing or sea trial and secure a capable and stylish Sea Ray that is ready for the season ahead.